01/03/2009 | WB2LHP This was my first Straight Key Night in 30 years of being a ham radio operator.
I had just recently restored a classic Heathkit HW-8 transceiver and got a nice
Bencher straight key for the holidays. This has been a wonderful re-introduction
to CW and QRP for me.

With 2 watts to a PAR Electronics end-fed wire antenna, I worked Willie, N4XE,
in Roanoke, VA on 40 meters. Willie is 82 years old and was using a clothespin key. We had a
very nice exchange and Willie was very tolerant of my poor fist and slow speed.
Nonetheless, we exchanged SKCC numbers and best wishes in a most comfortable and
casual QSO. In a day of pushbutton QSO's and megabuck radios, this was a totally
satisfying and rewarding experience. I'm looking forward to many more SKN's to
come.

As a side note, I recall vividly a Heathkit Christmas catalog cover showing an
op using a HW-8 and straight key looking out his window at the snow covered
landscape. That's what got me to buy my first HW-8 and build it as a Novice
class licensee. Now here I am 30 years later having a ball reliving that
experience looking out my window at the winter landscape. This is just too much
fun...

Jim -- WB2LHP